Wartime Aliyah: Hundreds of North American immigrants arrive in Israel

Despite the ongoing war, August on track to hit the highest monthly immigration level in more than two decades.

By World Israel News Staff

Hundreds of Jewish immigrants from the United States and Canada arrived in Israel on Wednesday, as immigration to Israel hit a two-decade monthly high, despite the ongoing war in Gaza.

A total of 225 new immigrants from North America arrived at Ben Gurion Airport aboard a special flight chartered by Nefesh B’Nefesh.

The flight, operated by El Al in coordination with the Jewish Agency, Israel’s Immigration Ministry, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and the Jewish National Fund-USA, is the first charter flight bringing immigrants to Israel since October 7th, 2023.

Over 1,000 new immigrants are slated to arrive in Israel this month, marking the highest monthly total in over 20 years.

Since the Hamas invasion of October 7th 2023, over 7,000 new immigrants from North America have moved to Israel.

Onboard Wednesday’s flight were 45 families, including 125 children, 10 singles, and 3 retirees.

The youngest immigrant is just 9 months old; the oldest is 72 years old.

Among the immigrants are 5 doctors and 19 healthcare professionals. Over 30 immigrants on this flight are part of the Nefesh B’Nefesh–KKL Go Beyond initiative, focused on strengthening Jerusalem and Israel’s peripheral regions.

“It is very exciting to be on the special flight with 225 new Olim, who chose to immigrate to Israel right now,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer.

“We are continuing to see more and more newcomers choosing to be part of the Zionist story, at a time when the State of Israel is facing difficult times and worldwide antisemitism is on the rise at an alarming rate.”

“We are working non-stop, in a professional manner, and in full cooperation with other government ministries and organizations that assist with Aliyah, such as Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Jewish Agency and the WZO, to help immigrants integrate into employment, housing and Hebrew studies.”

“Today’s charter flight is not just a symbolic journey home, it’s a tangible investment in Israel’s future,” said Tony Gelbart, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh.

“These Olim are fulfilling their dream of making Israel their home, just as many have done before them, and many more will do so in the years to come. We’re truly honored to help them all turn those dreams into reality.”

The new immigrants on Wednesday’s flight hail from across North America, including New Jersey, New York, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Ontario, Washington, Ohio, Iowa, and beyond.

Their destinations in Israel range from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Modi’in to Beersheba, Haifa, and Zikhron Ya’akov.

Professionally, the Olim span a wide array of fields, including medicine, education, engineering, law, finance, and more.

“Every new Oleh is a courageous expression of faith in the State of Israel, especially in its most challenging moments,” said Chairman of the Jewish Agency Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog.

“Seeing children, families, young people and adults choosing to tie their fate to that of the Jewish people is a powerful uplifting declaration of deep belonging.”

“Together, we are building the future of the Israeli society. A future of hope, mutual responsibility, and profound commitment. The Jewish Agency, together with Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, will continue to support the olim here in their new home in the State of Israel.”

As part of a new pilot program, the new immigrants on Wednesday’s flight received their new Israeli identification cards (teudot zehut) midair, with government officials distributing the cards during the flight.